Wilhelmina "Mina" C. Danes

October 26, 1938 – February 4, 2020

Wilhelmina "Mina" Cristeta Danes, age 81, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on October 26, 1938, Mina was the second child born to Victoria Luz and Ignacio Ranjo. She travelled to the United States with her mother and older sister, Nora, in 1941 to join her father in San Francisco.

On August 17,1974, Mina married Robert "Bob" Rex Danes, her best friend and the love of her life. Starting married life first in San Francisco, Mina and Bob bought what would be their lifelong home in Concord where they lived happily married for over 37 years until Bob's passing on June 20, 2011.

As a young girl, Mina excelled at Saint Joseph's Catholic School, Everett Junior High and Galileo High School, always a straight A student, earning her a full scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley. Mina dreamed of one day being a doctor. But in her sophomore year at Cal, Mina was diagnosed with a brain tumor and could not continue her studies. Despite the side effects of surgery, with devout Faith and a strong will to thrive, Mina again excelled at the U.S. Post Office, a high achiever earning praise from her superiors and numerous performance awards. Mina loved old movies, especially musicals, and collected VHS and DVD's from the 1940's and '50s. She also had a cherished collection of music sheets and loved to play the piano at least a couple of hours each day. She played Bob and Mama's favorite songs and would play for the family whenever she visited, while we sang along.

Mina was preceded in passing by her husband Bob Danes, her parents and younger brother, Ernie.

She is survived by stepson Robert Danes Jr. and granddaughter Ashley; siblings Nora Kala, Jay Ranjo, Quentin Ranjo, Victoria Hamilton, Jennifer Machado; sisters-in-law Dorothy and Nona, brother-in-law Steve and three generations of nieces and nephews.

Mina will always be remembered for her love of family, her kindness to all she met, her thoughtfulness and compassion and her open-hearted generosity. She will live in our hearts forever.

In honor of Mina, a Celebration of Life will be held at Neptune Society Columbarium, One Loraine Court, San Francisco at 11:00 a.m. on March 12, 2020